Inspiring White Rock Residents Shine in CBC’s The Assembly

Three residents of White Rock, Canada, are making waves in the neurodiverse community as they participate in the inaugural season of CBC’s new show, The Assembly. Launched on November 18, 2025, this innovative series allows members of the neurodiverse and autism communities to engage with celebrities in a relaxed and accommodating environment. The show aims to foster understanding and representation for those on the autism spectrum.

Mariah Reitmeier, Bruce Petherick, and Damon Kirsebom are among the first participants featured in this groundbreaking series. Each of them had the opportunity to interview notable Canadian personalities, including Howie Mandel, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Jann Arden, Arlene Dickson, Allan Hawco, and Russell Peters. This diverse lineup of guests provided the trio with a platform to highlight autism awareness and the unique perspectives of the neurodiverse community.

Reitmeier expressed her excitement about being part of the show, stating, “This show gives us a platform to help raise awareness for autism and those in the neurodiverse community.” She described her experience as surreal, noting that it opened up new opportunities for individuals on the autism spectrum.

The journey to joining The Assembly started for Reitmeier when a producer reached out to her via Facebook Messenger. After accepting the invitation, she interviewed four out of the six celebrity guests. Kirsebom, a non-speaking autistic university student, interviewed five of the six guests. He shared his nervousness before conducting interviews, saying, “I was trembling inside, and had to remind myself to slow down, breathe, and enjoy the moment.” He found the celebrities to be warm and engaging, which eased his anxiety during the conversations.

Kirsebom’s communication is facilitated through an iPad equipped with a voice output app, enabling him to express his thoughts effectively. “As a non-speaking individual, it is often assumed that I don’t understand the world around me; so I loved being able to demonstrate that I do understand and that I have something to say,” he remarked.

Petherick, who interviewed two of the celebrities, noted the camaraderie among the participants. “It was a good experience. I was fortunate not to know anybody, so it was interesting to meet people who knew each other,” he explained. He further highlighted the challenges of communicating as neurodivergent individuals, saying, “We all have to mask, and the ability for us to communicate unmasked needs a lot of preparation.”

Petherick, an advocate for autism representation, pitched the idea of a behind-the-scenes show to the producers after filming. “Too often our representation has been neurotypical. I always say it’s time for us to share our own stories,” he stated, underscoring the importance of authentic representation.

The trio collectively emphasized the significance of opportunities like The Assembly. Kirsebom noted, “There is so much misunderstanding around what it means to be autistic, and it really is time that we tell our own stories.” Reitmeier added, “What really matters is representation. Being a part of this series makes me feel proud to represent the autism community.”

As the first season progresses, Reitmeier, Petherick, and Kirsebom maintain contact through group chats, reflecting their ongoing support for one another. They express hope that viewers will recognize the importance of their representation through this show.

Episodes of The Assembly can be viewed on CBC Gem or watched live on Thursdays on CBC. The series continues to foster valuable conversations about neurodiversity and aims to reshape perceptions of autism in society.